MEDIA RELEASE: TSITSIKAMMA FIRES
Tuesday, 6th November 2018
DATE: 5 November 2018
RELEASE: Immediate
ATTENTION: ALL TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
RE: TSITSIKAMMA FIRES 2018
It is with great relief that we wish to inform the general public and all tourism stakeholders that tourism in Tsitsikamma has been unaffected by the fires. All tourism operations are continuing as normal and we will maintain the level of customer service excellence that Tsitsikamma is known for. The roads are open, the Garden Route National Park is open and Stormsriver Village is ready to receive visitors. All accommodation establishments, activities, eateries and other businesses in the greater Tsitsikamma region are preparing for a busy holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you to the Garden of the Garden Route.
We would like to thank all parties involved in the fire-fighting efforts across the Tsitsikamma region over the last few days. Working on Fire, MTO Forestry, municipal fire teams, the SANDF and teams from our local communities have been invaluable in the ongoing struggle to contain the blazes and keep Tsitsikamma safe.
There has been no loss of life, nor damage to houses reported. Serious damage has been caused to plantations and fence lines.The fire started on 23 October 2018 at Lottering, on the Western side of Tsitsikamma. It was contained and declared safe. A second series of fires broke out on 29 October 2018 due to lightning strikes, affecting areas from Stormsriver to Clarkson.
Extreme weather conditions hampered fire suppression operations, but the current favourable conditions of light rains and moderate winds have created a window of opportunity and ground teams are working to bring the containment to approximately 80% by the middle of the week.
Enquiries: Tsitsikamma Tourism Association Chairperson – Siàn Kruger 083 270 8959